Lying on the banks of the Lachlan River, Forbes is a small regional town some 380 kms west of Sydney. Once a major gold mining town, Forbes’ heritage listed architecture still reflects the 1800s and the money gold bought to the economy. Now known for the diverse lifestyle the town offers, it also has a large array of fruit picking opportunities, including its relatively new wine industry.
Fruit Picking Work in Forbes
January – Plums
January to March – Tomatoes, stonefruit
January to April – Grape picking
February to May – Apples
June to August – Vine pruning
November to December – Cherries
Fruit Picking Jobs in Forbes
Fruit Picking Jobs in New South Wales
Where’s Forbes
Getting There
If driving from Sydney, take the Great Western Hwy to Bathurst. From there it is another 175kms to the West via the towns of Orange and Eugowra.
There are also regular daily bus services from the major capital cities of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
If you’re short on time there are also flights available from Sydney to nearby Parkes every day.
Accommodation
There are a variety of budget options in town, including caravan parks, hostels and motels as well as hotels and B&Bs.
Some farms also offer camping facilities on site but make sure you ask the farmer first.
Not Fruit Picking – What to do?
- Go for a walk and BBQ around Lake Forbes, the towns most beautiful natural feature.
- Check out the amazing Forbes Camel Races, held annually on Good Friday.
- Goto the Forbes and District Historical Museum, where you will learn all about Ben Hall, one of Australia’s most notorious outlaws, who once stole 77kg of gold.
Extending Your Australian Working Holiday Visa
Many harvest jobs will meet the Second Australian Working Holiday Visa eligibility and count towards the 88 days of specified work. Some regional locations and jobs are ineligible which could lead to the Department of Immigration rejecting your application. So remember to confirm whether or not your fruit picking or harvest job will count towards the Second Australian WHV.
Get in Contact with the local visitor centre
Are you not a member yet?
150,000 Members use Australia’s most popular fruit picking and harvest work site to secure work on farms and rural properties all over Australia. Join the community and begin your job search now.
Award Winning - Best Recruitment Service